Springboks' unsung hero Thomas du Toit laying the platform for Wilco Louw second-half assault

Wilco Louw has been outstanding coming off the bench for the Springboks over the last three Test matches.

The burly prop had the All Blacks’ pack on skates every time he entered the fray after half-time in New Zealand, while he also produced another powerful display against Argentina in Durban.

But while Louw has earned plenty of praise for his performances, the man he replaced during those Tests has largely flown under the radar – despite anchoring the Bok scrum with equal power and stability.

Thomas du Toit has hardly put a foot wrong as the starting tighthead in the No 3 jersey, and has effectively laid the foundation for Louw to deliver maximum impact once the opposition pack has already been through a half of hard graft.

Winning scrum penalties early in a Test match, when everyone is still sharp and fresh, is much harder than later on. That is Du Toit’s task – to wear down the opposition by attacking every scrum – and he has done a superb job up front.

“I’ve always understood my role in the team, be it off the field or on the field, off the bench or starting,” Du Toit told the media ahead of this weekend’s Rugby Championship finale against Argentina at Twickenham.

“For me it’s been an incredible journey and it’s awesome to have been part of the last few weeks and matches in a starting position.

“It’s such a pleasure knowing that the guy who comes on in the second half is so destructive at scrum time and in the way he carries himself around the field.

“Knowing my purpose and ability in the first 45-50 minutes, it’s brilliant for me. I’m loving my role in the team and grateful for the guys around me who also do their part in making me feel comfortable.”

Du Toit, who has earned the nickname Thomas the Tank Engine", is certainly taking his opportunities this year after sitting behind tightheads such as the injured Frans Malherbe and Vincent Koch in recent seasons.

Such is the Springboks’ front row depth that he missed both the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, which South Africa went on to win.

At 30, however, he is now in prime position to make it to the showpiece event in Australia in two years’ time. Malherbe will be 36 and Koch 37 in 2027.

Still, while the next World Cup is on the horizon, the Springboks’ immediate focus is the clash with Los Pumas. Victory at Twickenham would secure back-to-back Rugby Championship titles.

The Boks also need to keep winning to remain top of the world rankings at year’s end. That matters, as the draw for the 2027 World Cup will be conducted after the November Tests, with the highest-ranked teams seeded.

“Success is very important and winning will always be the biggest priority for the Springboks,” said Du Toit.

“We don’t really have our eyes on the Rugby World Cup yet, but it is something at the back of our minds. Two years out, I don’t think it’s a big focus.

“We know how important it is to be right up there in the rankings. For now, the focus is on this week and this weekend’s match against Argentina.”